MAN CHARGED OVER BIKE RIDER’S DEATH

Court told motorcyclist was hit by a stolen car Police issue appeal for crash witnesses

Neville Smith (22) of no fixed abode appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court last Friday following the death of Michael Alan Howard (42) from Burrett Road, Walsoken, Wisbech.

Michael, a father, grandfather and brother, was riding a grey Suzuki GSXR 750 K4 when he died at the scene after a three vehicle collision in Bretton Way which included his motorbike and two other cars.

The collision happened at around 5.25pm on Wednesday last week.

The road was closed between the Bretton Way BP garage and Tyesdale roundabout and remained closed for around seven hours after the crash while officers from Cambridgeshire police carried out their investigation at the scene.

An air ambulance also attended the incident while Stagecoach East services 2 and 3 were both delayed as a result of the collision.

Following the incident three people were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and taken to Thorpe Wood Police Station.

Of those, a 16-year-old girl from Peterborough, who was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, and a 20-year-old from man Peterborough, who was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and drug driving, have since been released under investigation.

The third person, Smith, appeared in court two days after the fatal collision charged with eight offences. These were:

• Causing death by dangerous driving

• Causing death by driving whilst disqualified

• Causing death by driving whilst unlicensed/uninsured

• Failing to stop after a road accident

• Making off without making payment

• Theft from a motor vehicle

• Fraud by false representation

• Aggravated vehicle taking.

It was alleged that Smith, driving a stolen car, crashed into the victim while he was on his motorbike, leaving him with fatal injuries.

Smith, dressed all in grey, only spoke in court to confirm his name, age and address.

He was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Peterborough Crown Court on September 21 via video link.

While Smith was in court Cambridgeshire police issued an appeal to motorists who may have been in the area prior to the fatal collision.

In particular they are keen to trace the driver of a 4x4 travelling near Etton during the afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant James Thorne on 101.

Meanwhile, many flowers, messages and photos have now been left in tribute to Michael at the scene of the crash.

One message titled ‘In Loving Memory of a Dear Brother’ read: “To my brother, and you will always be my brother. We looked after each other, you made my life better and I made yours better.

“I will never forget me and you as long as I live. I love you bro and our life (will) never be the same without you.”

Another message read: “May you rest in peace. Our thoughts with your family.”

A photo left at the scene had a picture of two men with motorbikes, but it was not specified who the men were.